Executive Director, Crisis Management (UAE National)

About the role

The organization is seeking an Executive Director to lead its Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and crisis management function. This senior position ensures safe, compliant operations and rapid response to incidents across all sites in Abu Dhabi.

Key responsibilities

• Own and implement the HSE strategy, framework and standards for all operational sites.
• Lead operational safety by identifying, assessing and controlling hazards before they escalate.
• Direct crisis and emergency response during major incidents, coordinating teams and decision‑making under pressure.
• Develop and maintain emergency response, business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Conduct HSE audits, inspections, crisis simulations and readiness drills.
• Ensure compliance with UAE and Abu Dhabi HSE legislation, environmental regulations and industry standards.
• Coordinate with government authorities, emergency services and regulatory bodies.
• Establish command and control structures, investigate incidents, lead root‑cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
• Promote a strong safety culture and brief senior leadership and the board on performance and risk posture.
• Build, train and lead the HSE and crisis management team.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in operational HSE and crisis management within high‑risk, industrial or regulated environments.
• Proven track record managing real crises or major incidents.
• Strong knowledge of UAE and Abu Dhabi HSE and business continuity requirements.
• Experience in semi‑government or regulated operational settings is preferred.

Required skills

• NEBOSH Diploma
• IOSH certification
• OSHAD (Abu Dhabi OSH framework)
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor
• ISO 14001 Lead Auditor
• ISO 22301 certification
• Incident Command System (ICS) certification